Emotional Day In Court For Smolinski Family
Attorney Mark Lee, Paula Bell, Bill Smolinski and Janice Smolinski in New Haven Superior Court.
Story By John Murray
Janice Smolinski sat at the defense table with her daughter, Paula Bell, and Attorney Mark Lee, and listened to Madeline Gleason testify under oath about the events surrounding the disappearance of Billy Smolinski. Gleason had been dating Billy Smolinski at the time of his mysterious disappearance and was named a suspect in police reports written by the Woodbridge Police Department in the Spring of 2005.
The report stated that Madeline Gleason was a suspect until she passed a polygraph test, and six years later, she has still not taken a polygraph test. But in a bizarre twist Gleason and Smolinski came face to face in New Haven Superior Court today, November 29th, with Smolinski seated at the defense table, and Gleason playing the role of victim. Gleason has sued Janice Smolinski and Paula Bell for allegedly harassing her in the months and years following Billy Smolinski's disappearance,
Gleason testified in court that the Smolinski family has repeatedly accused her of murdering Billy Smolinski, fabricated a love triangle, harassed her, defamed her, threatened to kill her and turned her into an emotional wreck. She has asked for $115,000 in damages.
In a pre-trial hearing in Judge Jonathon Silbert's chambers there was an effort to get the Smolinskis to offer a small amount of money to Gleason to make the lawsuit go away. The Smolinksis refused.
Madeline Gleason
The trial started an hour later in courtroom 5-D and was presided over by Judge Tom Cordino. Gleason's lawyer, Attorney John Williams, called several witnesses before Gleason took the stand. Gleason, dressed in black and wearing black leather boots with tassels, expressed anger, cried, pleaded and told the court she feared the Smolinskis might harm her 13 year old son. Gleason testified that Janice Smolinski had repeatedly confronted her, climbed into her car, swore at her and threatened to kill her.
While listening to Gleason's testimony Janice Smolinski said her heart began to pound and she began to shake. "I could not believe the lies coming out of her mouth," Smolinski said. "I knew it was going to bad, but this was way over the top."
Moments later Smolinski decided enough was enough and she exploded. "Stop it," she yelled, interupting the court proceedings, "that's my son your talking about, my son," and she began to sob.
Janice's husband, Bill, leapt to his feet in the back of the courtroom and yelled, "That's enough," he said pointing at Gleason, "you're lying." And he stormed out of the courtroom.
Judge Cordino called the lawyers into his chambers and then Bill Smolinski barged back into the courtroom and rushed the defense table to console his wife. Minutes later the lawyers emerged to talk to their clients and try and calm the situation down. Judge Cordino came out and said that in a case with such raw emotion it was understood that it was "sometimes impossible to control them."
During the first day of the trial the Smolinskis had to sit and listen to Gleason make the case that she had been harassed and was due monetary damages. Several of the witnesses called by Gleason's side contradicted themselves and had trouble remembering dates, and Attorney John Williams produced no evidence backing up Gleason's allegations of harassment. The trial will resume next Monday when the Smolinskis have the opportunity to counter Gleason's version of events.
"This was a tough day," Janice Smolinski said, " we were all shaken in the courtroom today. "They're making a lot of allegations against us, but they have no proof. We'll get our chance in court on Monday."
(The Observer will publish more details about the first day of the trial in the days ahead)
Will there be a follow up story coming soon? I hope all works out in favor of the Smolinksi family and justice truly is served.
I have been following this case since it happened, I have read every article there is online for years now - hours and hours of reading. This case is a mess, The Waterbury PD messed this case up from DAY ONE. Its sick. I am so sad for the Smolinski's, they just want justice and the justice system SCREWED them from the start. Everyone should read about this case, you can read a lot online what happened, and even look at Facebook profiles on Madeline's family. She is a mess that women. I really believe she KNOWS what happened to Billy. Karma will be served I am sure. BUT STILL, this family needs justice for Billy. My heart goes out to William, Jan and Paula and the entire Smolinski friends and family. I am your supporter!!!
This woman is nothing more than a money hungry liar. How dare she portray herself as a victim. My heart goes out to the Smolinski family. Karma will catch up with Ms. Gleason, what comes around goes around.
Just wondering... if someone lies under oath and commits perjury in civil court,and can be proved to have been lying , what are the penalties? I mean besides the obvious penalty one would inflict upon him- or- herself of having it on record for posterity that the person is a liar. Concerned Citizen
What kind of person tears down missing person posters of their ex-boyfriend, then drags the man's family into court and (it sounds like) commits perjury in an attempt to get $115, 000 from them ? How repulsive! Billy's family should turn around and sue her for damages. Start with the cost of the posters they destroyed and go from there. Sincerely, A White
Not only is this woman a disgrace, but so are the prosecutors who have taken on this case. This woman remains a suspect BECAUSE she has yet to take a polygraph - therefore, she has no one to blame but herself! I know from experience the only people who tear down missing posters are the ones responsible for a person's disappearance. Guilty people cannot handle being reminded of their crimes! This is an atrocity towards a family that has suffered a pain that most cannot imagine - and this woman is being allowed to parade herself around as a "victim." Disgusting and disgraceful. My heart goes out to the Smolinski family - you are all in my prayers.
Erica Morse
Editor-in-Chief
Missingpersonsnews.com
Madeline Gleason may be too stupid to realize it, but by suing Billy’s mom, Jane Smolinskis, and his sister, Paula Bell, she is helping to breath new life into what had become a cold case. I am not sure why she did it, maybe misplaced greed or simply mean-spirited revenge, but whatever the reason is, its going to blow up in her face. Gleason’s name has been in the press for years, her actions caught on videotape, but even 7 years later Billy’s case is not that well known in Connecticut. Yes there has been a number of stories done and his case was featured on Investigation Discovery but if I were to do a poll in CT. I don’t think more then 10% of my fellow nutmegers would be able to tell me who he is. There is a good chance that’s about to change. Having had the great pleasure of meeting the Smolinski's at a CUE vigil for another long time missing person, Mary Badaracco, I can tell you that while Jan looks and talks like she could have been your favorite elementary school teacher, she has a will of iron. Madeline, the only thing the Smolinski's want is to bring their son home so he can be buried with dignity. If you really know nothing, then stop the court proceedings, take a CSP or FBI polygraph test, and prove your innocence.
I'd like to know why it seems that the Waterbury Observer is the only news media covering this case?
If it's publicity that this woman is wanting, well she is getting it. I hope she will soon realize that this is NOT right. It is shameful to take another family's pain and good name to try to profit off of it. SHAME ON HER!!!!!!!!!! However, this woman may unwittingly be bringing attention to herself that she eventually will regret. God has a way of showing things in his own time so that the truth will be seen. May you find Justice for your son. My prayers to out to the Smolinskis. May God keep you safe in his hands and help you find peace.
The Smolinskis are not only a lovely family who have been tormented at the hands of Madeline Gleason, but they are an INSPIRATION to those of us who advocate for the missing. Ms Gleason might very well find her harsh & deplorable actions coming back to haunt her soon as now they will all be on the record and hence, can be used against her in criminal proceedings.
Tick tock, Ms Madeline. Tick tock.
Dena Rush & Sue Bandeen
Finding Joanie Hall
Missing in Oregon USA for 28 years
Bill, Jan, & Paula,
So sorry you have to go through all this. You do not deserve it! Billy did not either. As a co-worker, I got to know Billy well & could not ask for a nicer person to work & become friends with. I am sure the Judge will see through this person. She will have to answer to a higher power for all her wrong doings.
Good Luck, stay strong. Don't let that wicked person get to you.
Hugs & Prayers to you all. Dawn
I hope this piece of trash gets what she deserves. I am sickened that the family has to deal with this!! The truth will ultimately come out and my bet is that Madeline was behind it all. Calling herself a "mother" disgusts me. Low life piece of trash.
The only positive that could possibly come out of this entire atrocity of making the Smolinski's to have to defend themselves...is that I hope every word and transcript will be allowed as evidence into a Grand Jury hearing! Justice needs to be served and Ms. Gleason ought to be very ashamed of herself. She not only ripped down posters of Missing Billy Smolinski, but she also hand wrote "WHO CARES" on posters. Statistics show that those who have a role in a missing person's case almost always rip the posters down or never offer to help hang them. Ms. Gleason is guilty of both. I certainly hope Ms. Gleason is not filling her 13 year old son's head with fears that are unfounded, untrue and malicious. How many more people are going to be hurt by this psycho woman? Billy Smolinski is missing and murdered, His parents are forever grieving, his sister has lost her best friend and brother, and now this woman has the audacity to sit in a courtroom and make reference that she fears for her 13 year old child's life??? The only fear Ms. Gleason has is of the truth...else she would have taken that lie detector test long ago...and of course the thought of not getting one red cent from the Smolinski's. Shame on her.
What a horrible thing to have to go through. No one should have to go through this. My deepest sympathies and thoughts go out to your family. I will pray always that they find out who did this to Billy so justice can finally be served.
That's enough! This family has endured more than enough. As the sister of a missing person, I know the pain a family goes through and the lengths to which you'll go. We all stand beside you in spirit, yelling "stop!" and "that's enough!" when we know your good heart has taken enough. Praying that through this, some information that helps solve the case will come out.
I am repulsed how the Smolinski family is being treated.. Jan and Bill are both amazing people. They have both made great strides in trying to help the Missing and the loved one's of the missing. The Smolinski family all have huge hearts and would give the shirt of their backs if they knew if would help someone else. These people were not harassing anyone all they were trying to do is find their missing loved one and to try and get answers on what happend to him. There is only ONE person who should be brought up on court preceedings and that is the VILE creature that Billy had feelings for. It takes some kind seriously sick person to tear down someone's MISSING person flyers. My one question is why did the flyers bother you so much? Quilty consence? I hope the pain and suffering you are causing this family haunts you for the rest of your life.... I also think it is disgusting that our tax paying dollars are being used to try to deter a family from finding their MISSING loved one.. To Jan and Bill you both are AMAZING people don't let the sick mind of one seriously i'll person tear down your strength and courage because justice for Billy will be served.. May Justice today for Jan and Bill be served and may Justice for Billy happen soon. As always my thoughts and prayers go out to Jan, Bill and their Family. Stay strong friends
Sincerly
A dear Friend
Excellent article.Not at all surprised that they contradicted themselves because it takes brainpower to remember lies and it appears that Gleason's clique has a surplus of lies but a deficit of brainpower. Sincerely, Mrs. Tommy R.
The tears are just running down my face reading the account of what took place today.
I'm so tired of the families of the missing being beat up on. But, this has got to be the ultimate abuse against a family with a missing loved one.
New Haven Superior Court STOP the insanity. STOP this abuse against the Smolinski's. Do you know how many people across the world are watching this insanity? 1,000's and many have been touched personally by the Smolinski's kindness, bravery and their fight not just for Billy but for all the missing.
I stated it before but I'll state it again....there are criminals in that courtroom but it is NOT the Smolinski's.
Maureen Reintjes
NamUs Victims Advocate - Kansas
I've never met Jan face to face but I can not under any circumstance see this soft spoken, intelligent woman threaten anyone. She has always tried to conduct herself in a professional manner, no small feat considering what she is up against.
I do hope that this judge fines Ms. Gleason for wasting the courts time with her unfounded claims.
God Speed Smolinski Family. You have many supporters who know the truth about you and will always be there to defend you.
Karrie Formicola
New York
I first met Jan in 2005 when she reached out to me to comfort me in realizing the case of my missing sister and her little girl. (Tina & Bethany Sinclair) Jan and her family drove all the way to Vermont to attend a Candle light Vigil in honor of our missing loved ones. I have since had the pleasure of spending time with Jan and Bill as well as speaking to them on the phone on several occassions in our joined efforts to promote a better understanding of the Legal system and how it handles missing person cases in this country, as well as how we can all help to create awareness of the problems, and make changes.
The Smolinkis are sweet, kind and compassionate people. Jan is simply not the sort of person to threaten anyone. Certainly not a child! The only contact Im aware Jan Smolinski has ever had with the woman in this case was when she was ripping down the posters they were hanging asking people to come forward for information in Billy's disappearance. With all Jan and Bill Smolinski have already been through, in losing their son, I hope there is a counter-suit filed for the un-due pain they are having to endure because of this trial! This is an absolute Disgrace!
Justice needs to be served,just leave them along.Throw this out of court! Prove that the justice system really works.
This family has suffered enough by this woman, she needs to be locked up until she tells what happened to Billy and where his remains are.
I have a missing son from Georgia and if not for Janice helping me and pushing me to keep going I don't know what I would do.
I am not the only one, there are 100's of us out here and this kind woman has blessed us all.
Praying for justice for Billy,
Sherron Lankester
I am sure there are case presedence like (Logan Tucker Case, Oklahoma) where the mother is in jail for murder one without the body being found and she was found guilty. There are many cases like this and formal charges therefore with a statement from a witness that called in before for this case naming Gleasons son and another person strangled Billy while Gleason watched gives just as much authority to bring those charges forward on Gleason do they not? I say bring forth charges through the court and press them on her. Her lies will fall apart and when someone is facing time in jail its funny how the truth at times comes out.
I am so appalled that this family is going thru this.They have been through so much and are wonderful people who I have known for awhile.This woman Gleason knows something and she will pay for not coming forward.She has no right bringing any charges or lawsuits against these people.Why does our Criminal System seem to protect the guilty but not the victims.This family like all the other families just want to know where their loved ones are and to bring them home.Is this to much to ask now is it.I work with the Missing and Unidentified every single day and the numbers are so high and they are from every State.There are men,women and children many decades ago.To sue this family is a complete injustice to them and every other family missing a loved one and for all citizens of the United States if you allow this to happen then you are helping criminals.I do not know if Gleason may have been involved but she may know who is guilty and to tear down Billy's pictures and not take a lie-detector tells me something is amiss.To Jan,Bill and Paula hang in there and we all care about you and God bless you my friends
Wow, this woman was caught on tape tearing down flyers days later.Oj simpson was'nt that bold.Cold hearted cheating liar. She might not have done it her self, but knows who did. Billy was lead north looking for cars by a couple of friends. I do belive at one time billy was friends with madelines two sons, who were suspects in his dissapearance.One died of a drud over dose,and the other died drowning. Am i the only one who finds the death of her two sons even more disturbing, who's keeping madeline "quiet"..This is too easy to fiqure out. This goes way deeper than just a jealous boy friend and a flusy." I was told "loose lips sinks ships". Somebody is gonna open their mouth and spill the beans !